Russians down Rangers in final
15/05/2008 7:42 AM
against Sporting in Lisbon in the quarter-finals and he could have had the net bulging again when he met a flick from Darcheville before teeing up a well-struck shot that was deflected wide by Shirokov.
Seconds later there was more drama at the other end when Alexander raced out of his box to close down Arshavin but the Zenit man rounded the goalkeeper only to look on in disbelief as his shot was nodded off the line by Sasa Papac.
When the breakthrough came after 72 minutes Arshavin was instrumental in the opening goal, playing a one-two with Denisov who raced into the box before slotting home from eight yards, leaving Alexander with no chance.
With time rapidly running out, Rangers' last throw of the dice came in the shape of substitute Kris Boyd but it was Darcheville and Novo who both squandered late chances to force the game into extra-time.
As they reflected on big misses, Zyrianov put the ball in the back of the net from close range to wrap up the win as Zenit claimed a first European trophy.
UEFA CUP FINAL
Zenit St Petersburg 2
(Denisov 72, Zurianov 90)
Rangers 0